2026 for January 1970

National Voters’ Day

January 25, 2026

National Voters' Day Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of National Voters’ Day.

About National Voters' Day

It is observed on January 25th across India every year since 2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.
It is celebrated to honour voters, encourage youth participation, and strengthen democratic values, and promote universal adult suffrage.
It celebrates democracy and empowers every citizen to take part in the electoral process.
Theme: The theme for National Voters' Day 2026 is "My India, My Vote" with a tagline of "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.
It is celebrated at the level of national, state, district, constituency, and polling booth NVD stands as one of the country’s most widespread and significant celebrations.
It is dedicated to the voters of the nation, National Voters’ Day also promotes the enrolment of new voters, particularly young individuals who have recently become eligible.

Source: PIB

National Voters' Day FAQs

Q1: When is National Voters' Day celebrated every year?

Ans: January 25

Q2: What is the main objective of National Voters' Day?

Ans: To encourage voter registration and participation

Madras Hedgehog

January 25, 2026

Madras Hedgehog Latest News

For the first time, the Tamil Nadu forest department has begun a study on the rare mammal species Madras Hedgehog at the Theri forests in the district.

About Madras Hedgehog

Madras Hedgehog, locally known as Mulleli is a tiny mammal.
It is also known as the bare-bellied hedgehog, discovered in 1851.
It has sharp spines on its back and soft white fur on its belly.
Its spines offer protection from predators such as foxes, jackals and mongooses.
It is a nocturnal species curls into a ball to protect itself from danger.
It has mastered survival in some of the harshest and driest landscapes.
Habitat: The species prefers dry scrublands, thorn forests, grasslands and the edges of farmlands.
Distribution: It is found only in peninsular India, primarily across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka.
Diet: It feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, earthworms and termites, apart from plants.
Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern
Threats: Its population declined largely due to hunting driven by mythical beliefs that its quills and meat have medicinal value.

Hedgehog Species in India

Of the 17 species of hedgehog around the world, India is home to three:
- Indian Long-eared or collared hedgehog
- Indian hedgehog
- Bare-bellied or Madras hegehog

Source: NIE

Madras Hedgehog FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the Madras Hedgehog?

Ans: Paraechinus nudiventris

Q2: Where is the Madras Hedgehog primarily found?

Ans: Southern India

Agarwood

January 25, 2026

Agarwood Latest News

Recently, the union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region laid the foundation stone for the ₹80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme.

About Agarwood

Aquilaria malaccensis, commonly known as agarwood, is a species of tree belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family.
It is also known as Oud, Gaharu or Agar is prized as the world’s most valuable incense.
The resin is produced as a defence mechanism due to the intense stress suffered by the trees when they are infected by a type of mold belonging to the Phaeoacremonium species (Phialophora parasitica).
The Aquilaria tree is a fast-growing, subtropical forest tree.
Distribution: It is mainly found in South Asia’s Himalayan foothills, throughout Southeast Asia, and into the rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
- In India, it grows in the wild in the Northeast, especially in Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.
Soil: Aquilaria can grow on a wide range of soils, including poor sandy soil.
Applications of Agarwood: The resinous wood is used as incense, for medicinal purposes, and pure resin in distilled form is used as an essential oil as well as a perfume component.

Characteristics of Agarwood

It grows at elevations from a few meters above sea level to about 1000 meters, with approx. 500 meters being most ideal.
Seedlings require a great deal of shade and water but will grow rapidly, producing flowers and seeds as early as four years old.
In the wild, it takes nearly a decade for a tree to mature.

Source: PIB

Agarwood FAQs

Q1: Agarwood is primarily found in which region?

Ans: Southeast Asia

Q2: What is the main use of Agarwood?

Ans: Perfume and incense

Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive (ACC-PLI) Scheme

January 25, 2026

Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive (ACC-PLI) Scheme Latest News

Recently, it was observed that there is a substantial gap between the intended and actual outcomes of the Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive (ACC-PLI) scheme.

About Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive (ACC-PLI) scheme

It was launched in October 2021 to catalyse domestic manufacturing of next-generation battery cells.
It is aimed to set up 50 gigawatt hour (GWh) of battery cell manufacturing capacity by 2026.
It is also aimed to build a local battery supply chain (cathode, anode, electrolyte) to reduce import dependence, mobilising private investments and global tech partnerships, lowering battery costs, and accelerating electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage adoption.
Nodal Ministry: It was launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
Total Outlay: With a total financial outlay of Rs. 18,100 crore.

Features of Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive (ACC-PLI) scheme

Incentives: Under the scheme, selected manufacturers were promised incentives linked to actual battery sales, with a maximum subsidy of about Rs. 2,000 per kilowatt-hour.
Companies were required to make a minimum investment of Rs. 1,100 crore and meet phased domestic value-addition targets, 25% within two years and 60% within five years.
Beyond capacity creation, the policy intended to develop a complete battery supply chain covering cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and cell assembly, while also generating over one million jobs.

Source: TH

Advanced Chemistry Cell Production Linked Incentive (ACC-PLI) Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the objective of ACC-PLI scheme?

Ans: To boost domestic value addition in battery production

Q2: What is the total outlay for ACC-PLI scheme?

Ans: ₹18,100 Crore

Forever Chemicals

January 25, 2026

Forever Chemicals

When scientists tested human blood samples collected from 2003 to 2021, they found that levels of older PFAS, a.k.a. “Forever chemicals” dropped by 86% because manufacturers stopped producing them.

About Forever Chemicals

Forever chemicals, or PFAS (per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances), are a large chemical family of thousands of highly persistent, toxic, man-made, hazardous chemicals.
PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment.
The name ‘forever chemicals’ comes from the fact that they remain in the environment without breaking down for generations, if ever.
In manufacturing, PFAS are favoured for their durability and useful properties such as non-stick, water repellence, and anti-grease.
PFAS are used in the manufacture of many domestic products, including:
- skin creams and cosmetics,
- car and floor polish,
- rinse aid for dishwashers,
- textile and fabric treatments,
- food packaging and microwave popcorn bags,
- baking equipment,
- frying pans,
- outdoor clothing and shoes.
They also have many and widespread uses in industry, including in firefighting foam.
Over time, PFAS may leak into the soil, water, and air.
People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS.
Because PFAS breaks down slowly, if at all, people and animals are repeatedly exposed to them, and blood levels of some PFAS can build up over time.
Impacts of PFAS on Human Health: Forever chemicals have been linked to multiple health problems, including compromised immune systems, liver damage, thyroid diseases, increased cholesterol levels, hypertension, developmental delays in infants, and increased certain cancers such as kidney and testicular.
Regulation: The Stockholm Convention has listed some PFAS, such as Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Source: TH

Forever Chemicals FAQs

Q1: What are forever chemicals?

Ans: Forever chemicals are PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), a large family of highly persistent, toxic, man-made hazardous chemicals.

Q2: What is the basic molecular structure of forever chemicals?

Ans: Forever chemicals consist of a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms.

Q3: Why do forever chemicals not degrade easily in the environment?

Ans: Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest chemical bonds.

Q4: Why are forever chemicals widely used in manufacturing?

Ans: They are valued for durability and properties such as non-stick, water repellence, and anti-grease.

Q5: Why do forever chemicals accumulate in the human body?

Ans: Because they break down very slowly, leading to repeated exposure and buildup of forever chemicals in blood over time.

Granth Kutir

January 25, 2026

Granth Kutir Latest News

Recently, the President of India inaugurated Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

About Granth Kutir

It has a rich collection of manuscripts and books in 11 classical languages of India which are Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
Aim: The aim of developing the Granth Kutir is to enhance awareness among the citizens regarding the rich cultural and literary heritage of India.
It showcases India’s rich and diverse cultural, philosophical, literary and intellectual heritage.
It has a collection of about 2,300 books in 11 Indian classical languages of India.
Coverage: The collection covers a wide range of subjects such as epics, philosophy, linguistics, history, governance, science, and devotional literature as well as the Constitution of India in these languages.
It has been developed through collaboration with central government, state governments, universities, research institutions, cultural organisations, and individual donors from across the country.
It supports the vision of Gyan Bharatam Mission.
- The Gyan Bharatam Mission is a comprehensive national initiative under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, dedicated to the systematic survey, documentation, conservation, and digitisation of India’s vast manuscript heritage.

Source: PIB

Granth Kutir FAQs

Q1: Who inaugurated Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan?

Ans: President of India

Q2: How many classical languages are represented in Granth Kutir?

Ans: 11

Schizophrenia

January 25, 2026

Schizophrenia Latest News

Researchers analysing data from more than half a million people find that compared to the general population, people with schizophrenia are more likely to have weaker bones and to suffer fractures.

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions.
Although the course of schizophrenia varies among individuals, schizophrenia is typically persistent and can be both severe and disabling.
Cause:
- Researchers believe that several genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia, and life stressors may play a role in the start of symptoms and their course.
- Since multiple factors may contribute, scientists cannot yet be specific about the exact cause in each individual case.
Symptoms:
- Symptoms of schizophrenia include psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder, as well as reduced expression of emotions, reduced motivation to accomplish goals, difficulty in social relationships, motor impairment, and cognitive impairment.
- Suicidal thoughts and attempts are much higher than average in people with schizophrenia.
- Although symptoms typically start in late adolescence or early adulthood, schizophrenia is often viewed from a developmental perspective.
- Cognitive impairment and unusual behaviors sometimes appear in childhood, and persistent presence of multiple symptoms represent a later stage of the disorder.
- This pattern may reflect disruptions in brain development as well as environmental factors such as prenatal or early life stress.
Schizophrenia affects approximately 23 million people, or 1 in 345 people (0.29%), worldwide.
Stigma against people with this condition is intense and widespread, causing social exclusion and impacting their relationships with others, including family and friends.
Treatment:
- There is no cure for schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia need lifelong treatment.
- This includes medicine, talk therapy, and help in learning how to manage daily life activities.

Source: TH

Schizophrenia FAQs

Q1: What is schizophrenia?

Ans: Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder.

Q2: What factors contribute to the development of schizophrenia?

Ans: A combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the risk, with life stressors playing a role in triggering symptoms.

Q3: What are the main psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia?

Ans: Psychotic symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder.

Q4: At what age do symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin?

Ans: Symptoms typically begin in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Q5: Is there a cure for schizophrenia?

Ans: No, there is no cure for schizophrenia.

What is Sonic Boom?

January 25, 2026

Sonic Boom Latest News

Researchers have used seismometers to detect the sonic booms created by debris from orbit falling back to the earth.

About Sonic Boom

A sonic boom is a thunderous noise caused by an object, like an aircraft, moving faster than the speed of sound.
How is it Formed?
- As the object zooms through the sky, the air molecules around it are pushed aside with tremendous force, generating shock waves along its flight path.
- The release of pressure, following the shock waves’ buildup, is heard as the sonic boom.
- Sonic booms create huge amounts of sound energy.
The intensity of the sonic boom is determined not only by the distance between the craft and the ground but also by the size and shape of the aircraft, the types of maneuvers that it makes, and the atmospheric pressure, temperature, and winds.
- A larger and heavier aircraft must displace more air and create more lift to sustain flight, compared with small, light aircraft.
- Therefore, they will create sonic booms stronger and louder than those of smaller, lighter aircraft.
- The larger and heavier the aircraft, the stronger the shock waves will be.
- Generally, the higher the aircraft, the greater the distance the shock wave must travel, reducing the intensity of the sonic boom.
- If the aircraft is especially long, double sonic booms might be detected, one emanating from the leading edge of the plane and one from the trailing edge.
Visible Effects:
- Sometimes, you can see a cloud or a cone shape around an aircraft making a sonic boom. This isn't the sound itself.
- It's water vapor in the air that suddenly cools down due to the pressure changes from the shock wave. This makes a temporary cloud.
Sonic booms can shatter glass, but there is generally little risk for people on the ground.

Source: TH

Sonic Boom FAQs

Q1: What is a sonic boom?

Ans: A sonic boom is a thunderous noise produced when an object, such as an aircraft, travels faster than the speed of sound.

Q2: What causes the sound heard as a sonic boom?

Ans: The sound is caused by the sudden release of pressure following the buildup of shock waves.

Q3: Do sonic booms involve large amounts of sound energy?

Ans: Yes, sonic booms create huge amounts of sound energy.

Q4: Why do larger and heavier aircraft create stronger sonic booms?

Ans: Because they displace more air and generate greater lift, producing stronger shock waves.

Q5: How does altitude affect the intensity of a sonic boom?

Ans: Greater altitude reduces the intensity because the shock waves travel a longer distance before reaching the ground.

Strobilanthes riteshii

January 25, 2026

Strobilanthes riteshii Latest News

A new flowering plant species named Strobilanthes riteshii has been formally recorded from Arunachal Pradesh recently.

About Strobilanthes riteshii

It is a new species of flowering plant.
It belongs to the family Acanthaceae.
It was discovered during recent floristic surveys at Chayangtajo in the East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
The plant is currently known only from its type locality at an elevation of around 1,600 metres.
It grows along roadsides on open hill slopes, often near small waterfalls and streams within evergreen forest patches.
Flowering has been observed between August and October, while fruiting occurs from September to December.
The species has been named Strobilanthes riteshii in honour of Dr. Ritesh Kumar Choudhary, an Indian plant taxonomist at the Agharkar Research Institute, recognising his contributions to plant taxonomy and molecular systematics.
Based on current information, the species has been provisionally assessed as Data Deficient under the IUCN Red List criteria, indicating that more field data is required to understand its population status and threats.

Source: IT

Strobilanthes riteshii FAQs

Q1: What is Strobilanthes riteshii?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of flowering plant.

Q2: Where was Strobilanthes riteshii discovered?

Ans: It was discovered at Chayangtajo in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Q3: What type of habitat does Strobilanthes riteshii grow in?

Ans: It grows along roadsides on open hill slopes near small waterfalls and streams within evergreen forest patches.

Q4: Why is the species named Strobilanthes riteshii?

Ans: The species has been named Strobilanthes riteshii in honour of Dr. Ritesh Kumar Choudhary, an Indian plant taxonomist.

Q5: What is the IUCN Red List status of Strobilanthes riteshii?

Ans: It has been provisionally assessed as Data Deficient.

Java Island

January 25, 2026

Java Island Latest News

Indonesia’s main island of Java has been recently hit by a massive landslide in which at least 8 people have been reported to be killed.

About Java Island

It is a very large island in the country of Indonesia.
It is the 13th largest island globally. It is also the fifth largest in Indonesia.
It's part of the Greater Sunda Islands, which also includes Sumatra, Borneo, and Sulawesi.
To the north of the island is the Java Sea, across which the island of Borneo is found.
To the south is part of the Indian Ocean.
To Java’s northwest, across the Sunda Strait, is the island of Sumatra.
Java was created by volcanoes. This happened because the Australian Plate slid under the Sunda Plate.
History:
- It was once the center of powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms.
- Later, Islamic sultanates ruled the island.
- It also became the main part of the colonial Dutch East Indies.
- Java was key to Indonesia's fight for independence in the 1930s and 1940s.
Java is the most populated island in the world.
- About 156.4 million people live there. This means about 56% of all Indonesians call Java home.
Jakarta, Indonesia's capital city, is on Java's northwest coast.

Source: WION

Java Island FAQs

Q1: Which country does Java Island belong to?

Ans: Java is a very large island in the country of Indonesia.

Q2: Which island group does Java belong to?

Ans: Java is part of the Greater Sunda Islands.

Q3: Which sea lies to the north of Java?

Ans: The Java Sea lies to the north of Java.

Q4: Which ocean lies to the south of Java?

Ans: Part of the Indian Ocean lies to the south of Java.

Q5: Which island lies northwest of Java across the Sunda Strait?

Ans: Sumatra lies northwest of Java across the Sunda Strait.

EPFO 3.0 – Towards a Citizen-Centric, Tech-Enabled Social Security Architecture

January 25, 2026

EPFO 3.0 Latest News

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), India’s premier retirement fund body, is undertaking a new phase of digital and institutional reforms—EPFO 3.0.
These reforms aim to simplify access, enhance portability, prepare for expanded social security coverage under the Labour Codes, and build upon earlier changes under EPFO 2.0, aimed at easing withdrawals and claim settlements.
EPFO is in the final stages of floating a tender for IT platform implementation and has shortlisted firms like Wipro, Infosys, TCS. EPFO 2.0 nearing completion, and only pension, claim, and annual accounts modules pending.

EPFO

Nature of body: It is a premier Indian statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, established in 1952 to provide social security to the organized workforce.
Functions: It manages compulsory, contributory provident fund, pension, and insurance schemes—specifically EPF 1952, EPS 1995, and EDLI 1976—ensuring retirement savings and financial security for employees.
Active members and corpus: It currently has nearly 8 crore active members and maintains a corpus of around Rs 28 lakh crore.
Coverage: EPFO coverage is mandatory for establishments with 20 or more employees, with coverage now extending to all establishments having 20 or more employees, regardless of the industry, under the new Social Security Code.

EPFO 3.0 - Key Reforms Proposed

Centralised core banking solution:
- Introduction of a nationwide, centralised system akin to banking operations.
- Members can access accounts and resolve issues at any EPFO office across India.
- It seeks to enhance portability for migrant and inter-state workers.
New user-friendly portal:
- Revamped EPFO website with improved navigation. Integration of AI-backed language translation tools using BHASHINI (MeitY initiative).
- It will facilitate access in vernacular languages, improving inclusivity
Preparation for labour codes implementation:
- EPFO is likely to administer social security funds for unorganised workers. Separate fund envisaged for gig and platform workers.
- It addresses expansion in scale and scope of EPFO operations.

EPFO 2.0 - Ongoing and Completed Reforms

Liberalising withdrawal norms:
- It will streamline the withdrawal categories from 13 to 3 – essential needs (illness, education, marriage); housing needs; and special circumstances.
- Minimum unemployment period for premature final settlement increased from 2 months to 12 months.
UPI-linked withdrawal facility:
- Under the UPI facility, members can withdraw funds using the BHIM app.
- They will also be able to separately view their available balance, the balance eligible for withdrawal and the minimum 25% balance.
- The withdrawal amount could be initially capped at Rs 25,000 per transaction.
Self-correction of personal details:
- Members are allowed to correct personal details without employer/EPFO approval.
- Applicable to name, date of birth, gender, marital status, dates of joining/leaving, etc.
- For UANs issued before 1 October 2017, employers can make corrections without EPFO approval.
- Impact: About 32.23 lakh profile corrections completed till December 2025.

Challenges and Way Forward

Managing scale expansion: With inclusion of unorganised workers. Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like UPI and BHASHINI.
Ensuring data security and cyber resilience: In centralised systems. Phased implementation of EPFO 3.0 with strong IT governance.
Digital literacy gaps: Among workers. Capacity building of EPFO staff and awareness among beneficiaries.
Smooth transition from legacy systems: Coordination with States for effective rollout of Labour Codes.

Conclusion

EPFO 3.0 marks a significant shift towards a portable, inclusive, and technology-driven social security ecosystem.
By adopting centralised banking solutions, AI-enabled multilingual access, and simplified rules, EPFO is aligning itself with the goals of ease of living, labour mobility, and universal social security.
It makes it a critical reform from the perspective of governance, digitalisation, and labour welfare.

Source: IE

EPFO 3.0 FAQs

Q1: How does EPFO 3.0 enhance portability and ease of access for India’s workforce?

Ans: EPFO 3.0 introduces a centralised core banking solution, benefiting migrant workers.

Q2: What is the role of digital public infrastructure in the recent EPFO reforms?

Ans: EPFO reforms leverage DPI tools like UPI and BHASHINI, enhancing ease of withdrawal, etc.

Q3: In what ways do EPFO reforms support the implementation of the Labour Codes, 2020?

Ans: EPFO 3.0 prepares the organisation to administer social security for unorganised workers.

Q4: How have recent EPFO reforms simplified provident fund withdrawals for subscribers?

Ans: Withdrawal norms were rationalised from 13 categories to 3, along with UPI-enabled instant withdrawals.

Q5: Why is EPFO 3.0 significant from a governance and welfare perspective?

Ans: EPFO 3.0 strengthens ease of living, transparency, and inclusivity through digitalisation.

RBI Nudges India on BRICS Digital Currency Linkage for Cross-Border Payments

January 25, 2026

BRICS Digital Currency Linkage Latest News

The Reserve Bank of India has advised the Indian government to encourage BRICS countries to collaborate on using digital currencies for cross-border payments. Such a move could reduce transaction costs, speed up settlements, and lower dependence on the US dollar.
However, in the near term, it also poses risks related to financial stability, regulatory coordination, cyber security, and differences in digital infrastructure among BRICS members, which would need careful management.

RBI’s Push for BRICS CBDC-Based Cross-Border Payments

The Reserve Bank of India has reportedly proposed that India use its BRICS chairmanship in 2026 to encourage member countries to adopt their Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) for cross-border payments.
Though not officially announced, the RBI is said to have conveyed this idea to the Ministry of Finance.
The proposal envisages a common payments framework covering not only the five founding BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—but also newer members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, with more countries likely to join in the future.

About Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are legal tender issued by a central bank in fully digital form.
In India, the RBI’s e-rupee is an example, functioning just like the physical rupee but existing only digitally.
CBDCs are stored in separate digital wallets, not bank accounts, and transactions occur directly between wallets, with records maintained on a blockchain-based digital ledger.
Unlike payment systems such as UPI, which transfer money between bank accounts, CBDCs move value itself from one wallet to another.
They also differ from private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are decentralised, unregulated, and not backed by any authority.
CBDCs, by contrast, are centrally issued, regulated, and backed by the central bank, with a fixed value—for instance, one e-rupee is always equal to one rupee.

Benefits of Using Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

Greater Transparency and Traceability - CBDCs operate on blockchain technology, which creates an immutable and transparent digital ledger.
- Once recorded, transactions cannot be altered or deleted, making illicit activities like money laundering and black-money flows easier to detect, especially in cross-border payments.
Programmable Money with Policy Use-Cases - CBDCs can be programmed for specific purposes.
- They may be restricted by time (expiry dates), location, merchant category, or type of transaction.
- Additional details such as payer and payee identities can also be embedded, further enhancing accountability and targeted use.
Curbing Illicit Cross-Border Flows - Cross-border transactions are a major channel for illegal money movement.
- The transparency and traceability of CBDCs provide authorities with stronger tools to monitor and regulate such flows compared to traditional payment systems.
Geopolitical and Strategic Advantages - CBDCs can help India navigate international payment challenges arising from sanctions and exclusion from the dollar-dominated SWIFT system, as seen in trade with countries like Iran and Russia.
- A CBDC-based framework offers a more sustainable alternative to settling trade purely in national currencies and could strengthen cooperation within groupings such as BRICS.

Risks and Challenges of Using CBDCs for Cross-Border Payments

The adoption of CBDCs for cross-border payments faces significant hurdles.
Harmonising legal, regulatory, and technical frameworks across multiple countries is complex and time-consuming, meaning tangible benefits may take years to materialise.
A more immediate risk lies in the geopolitical response, particularly from the United States.
Past statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggest that efforts by BRICS to reduce reliance on the dollar could invite retaliatory measures, including higher tariffs.
A shift toward CBDC-based payments could therefore expose India to additional trade penalties, potentially compounding existing tariff pressures.
India will need to carefully balance these economic and strategic costs against the long-term advantages of adopting CBDCs for international payments.

Source: TH | ToI | FP

BRICS Digital Currency Linkage FAQs

Q1: What is RBI proposing on BRICS digital currency linkage?

Ans: RBI proposes that India use its BRICS chairmanship to promote BRICS digital currency linkage for cross-border payments using member nations’ CBDCs.

Q2: What are CBDCs and how are they different from UPI?

Ans: CBDCs are central bank–issued digital legal tender stored in wallets, unlike UPI which transfers money between bank accounts without moving currency itself.

Q3: What are the benefits of BRICS digital currency linkage?

Ans: BRICS digital currency linkage can reduce transaction costs, improve transparency, curb illicit flows, and lower dependence on the US dollar-dominated SWIFT system.

Q4: How does BRICS digital currency linkage help geopolitically?

Ans: It allows trade with sanctioned countries like Russia and Iran, offering BRICS nations an alternative payments system beyond dollar-based global infrastructure.

Q5: What risks does BRICS digital currency linkage pose?

Ans: Major risks include regulatory coordination delays and possible US retaliation through tariffs, making cost–benefit analysis critical for India.

India’s Fight Against Malaria Elimination: The 2030 Deadline

January 25, 2026

Malaria Elimination Latest News

Under the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030), India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030, with an interim goal of stopping indigenous transmission nationwide by 2027.
By the end of 2025, sustained surveillance and interventions had yielded major gains, with 160 districts across 23 States and Union Territories reporting zero indigenous malaria cases between 2022 and 2024—marking a significant step toward nationwide elimination.

How Malaria Prevalence and Elimination Are Assessed

The World Health Organization (WHO) measures malaria elimination by assessing whether local transmission of all human malaria parasites has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years, supported by a robust surveillance and response system.
Based on this criterion, 47 countries or territories had been officially certified malaria-free by the WHO as of mid-2025.

India’s Current Status in the Fight Against Malaria

India has made substantial progress in reducing malaria burden over the past decade.
According to the World Malaria Report 2025, the country officially exited the WHO’s “High Burden to High Impact” (HBHI) group in 2024, reflecting sustained improvements in high-endemic States.
Malaria cases declined by about 80% between 2015 and 2023, and India is on track to meet the WHO Global Technical Strategy (2016–2030) target of a 75% reduction in incidence by 2025, having already achieved over 70% reduction by 2024.
Despite this progress, India still accounted for 73.3% of the estimated 2.7 million malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2024.
Localised transmission, population movement, and cross-border importation continue to pose challenges.

India’s Strategy for Eliminating Malaria

India is pursuing malaria elimination through a structured national strategy guided by two key policy frameworks:
- the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030), which sets the long-term vision and phased targets, and
- the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027), which operationalises these goals.
The NSP prioritises transforming malaria surveillance into a core intervention, ensuring universal access to timely diagnosis and treatment through a “test, treat, and track” approach, and strengthening prevention via effective vector control.

Key Challenges in India’s Malaria Elimination Drive

One major challenge is migration from malaria-endemic neighbouring States, which raises the risk of reintroduction in areas that have achieved low or zero transmission.
Urban settings present a distinct set of difficulties due to population density, mobility, and complex living conditions.
According to India’s National Strategic Plan, malaria elimination requires special focus on urban, forest, tribal, border, hard-to-reach areas, large infrastructure project zones, and migrant populations.

Regional and Cross-Border Transmission Risks

The World Malaria Report 2025 acknowledges significant progress in the WHO South-East Asia Region but notes that challenges persist.
Plasmodium vivax, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of regional malaria cases, continues to hinder elimination due to its relapse potential.
Localised transmission in India and Nepal, driven by cross-border movement, underscores the need for targeted sub-national and regional coordination.

Rising Drug and Insecticide Resistance

A growing concern is antimalarial drug resistance.
The WHO has warned of partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives—the backbone of current malaria treatment, along with signs of declining efficacy of partner drugs.
In response, India is strengthening drug and insecticide resistance monitoring and emphasising strict compliance with the 14-day radical treatment for Plasmodium vivax cases.

The Road Ahead for Malaria Elimination in India

India has reached an advanced stage in its malaria elimination journey, with 34 States and Union Territories recording an Annual Parasite Incidence of less than one in 2023, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Only Tripura and Mizoram remain above this threshold, highlighting that the challenge is now geographically concentrated.
Experts emphasise that the next phase hinges on data accuracy and robust surveillance. They stressed the need for mandatory reporting of even suspected malaria cases, particularly by private healthcare practitioners.
Urban malaria remains a key concern. Rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure, and water storage practices in cities like Chennai create breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Addressing this will require not only government action but also strong community and household-level participation to prevent mosquito breeding in clean water sources.
As India targets zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and prevention of re-establishment thereafter, strengthening surveillance systems, improving diagnostic capacity, and intensifying control measures in high-burden districts will be crucial to overcoming these challenges and sustaining elimination gains.

Source: TH

Malaria Elimination FAQs

Q1: What is India’s goal under malaria elimination?

Ans: India’s malaria elimination goal is to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2030, with nationwide interruption of local transmission targeted by 2027 under national frameworks.

Q2: How has malaria elimination progressed in India so far?

Ans: Malaria elimination efforts have reduced cases by nearly 80% since 2015, with 160 districts reporting zero indigenous cases between 2022 and 2024.

Q3: How does WHO define malaria elimination?

Ans: According to WHO, malaria elimination requires interruption of local transmission for three consecutive years nationwide, supported by strong surveillance systems to prevent re-establishment.

Q4: What strategies support malaria elimination in India?

Ans: Malaria elimination relies on surveillance, universal diagnosis and treatment, vector control, drug resistance monitoring, and strict compliance with radical treatment for Plasmodium vivax.

Q5: What are the main challenges to malaria elimination?

Ans: Key malaria elimination challenges include migration-driven reintroduction, urban transmission, Plasmodium vivax relapse, drug resistance, and sustaining accurate reporting from private healthcare providers.

Revised Cadre Allocation Policy for All India Services

January 25, 2026

All India Services Latest News

The Union government has notified a revised cadre allocation policy for the IAS, IPS and IFoS, replacing the earlier zonal system with a new grouping structure.

Background of Cadre Allocation in All India Services

Cadre allocation is a critical administrative process that determines the State or Joint Cadre in which officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) serve.
The system aims to balance two key objectives:
- Ensuring national integration through inter-State exposure and
- Respecting regional familiarity by allowing limited home-state representation.
Since 2017, cadre allocation has been governed by a zonal system, where States were grouped into five zones.
Candidates were required to rank zones and cadres within them.
Over time, several State governments and aspirants raised concerns about uneven cadre distribution, lack of transparency, and rigid allocation outcomes.

Introduction of the New Grouping Structure

The revised policy replaces the zonal arrangement with four alphabetical groups of State and Joint Cadres.
According to the notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), all cadres have been arranged alphabetically and distributed into four groups to simplify and standardise the allocation process.
New Group Composition
- Group I: AGMUT, Andhra Pradesh, Assam-Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh
- Group II: Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh
- Group III: Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu
- Group IV: Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
This structure replaces the earlier five-zone model that had geographical clustering, which often resulted in repeated regional concentration of officers.

Objectives of the Revised Policy

The revised cadre allocation framework seeks to achieve the following objectives:
Greater Transparency: Alphabetical grouping removes ambiguity associated with zonal preferences.
Fair Distribution of Officers: States had flagged skewed vacancy allocation under the earlier system.
Enhanced National Integration: Wider inter-State exposure aligns with the original philosophy of All India Services.
Administrative Efficiency: A simplified structure enables faster and more predictable allocation outcomes.

Determination of Vacancies

Under the new policy, cadre-controlling authorities will determine vacancies annually:
- IAS: Department of Personnel and Training
- IPS: Ministry of Home Affairs
- IFoS: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Vacancies will be calculated based on the cadre gap as on January 1 of the year following the Civil Services Examination.
States must submit their vacancy requisitions by January 31; failing which, late submissions will not be considered. Vacancy details will be publicly notified to ensure transparency.

Insider and Outsider Allocation Rules

The policy reiterates strict norms for insider and outsider allocation:
- Insider candidates (home State cadre) will be allocated strictly based on merit rank and vacancy availability.
- Willingness to serve in the home State is now a mandatory condition for insider eligibility.
- Vacancies for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) will be treated as part of the unreserved category in cadre rosters.
This aims to curb discretionary interpretation and ensure merit-based allocation.

Rotational Cycle System

A key procedural reform is the introduction of a rotational cycle system.
Each cycle covers 25 candidates in merit order, corresponding to the total number of State and Joint Cadres.
- Higher-ranked candidates within a cycle get priority.
- Remaining candidates move to the next cycle.
- Outsider allocation follows insider placement, with priority given first to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
This system is intended to introduce predictability and objectivity into cadre placement.

Significance for Civil Services Administration

Reduces litigation and grievances related to cadre allocation.
Strengthens cooperative federalism by addressing State concerns.
Improves officer exposure to diverse administrative and socio-political environments.
Aligns recruitment with governance efficiency, an important theme in public administration reforms.

Source : IE

All India Services FAQs

Q1: Which services are covered under the revised cadre allocation policy?

Ans: The IAS, IPS and IFoS are covered under the revised policy.

Q2: What system has replaced the earlier zonal cadre allocation model?

Ans: A four-group alphabetical structure of State and Joint Cadres has replaced the zonal system.

Q3: Who determines annual vacancies under the new policy?

Ans: Vacancies are determined by DoPT (IAS), MHA (IPS) and MoEFCC (IFoS).

Q4: How are insider candidates allocated under the revised norms?

Ans: Insider allocation is strictly based on merit rank, vacancy availability, and willingness to serve.

Q5: What is the rotational cycle system in cadre allocation?

Ans: It is a merit-based cycle system where 25 candidates are allocated cadres per rotation to ensure fairness.